Livestock News

The two-day show and sale is the pinnacle of the Valais Blacknose calendar, giving UK breeders the chance to showcase their animals and battle it out for the accolade of Overall Supreme Champion.

Following a scorching summer last year and with temperatures currently on the rise, pig producers are being urged to manage heat stress to avoid the negative consequences it can have on feeding behaviour, growth rates and animal welfare.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is concerned the rise in dog ownership in the UK since the pandemic and increasingly seen behavioural issues in dogs highlighted by recent statistics could be behind the spike in sheep worrying attacks reported by farmers across the country.

Following feedback from 46 producers, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has urged the government to address the escalating labour situation in the sector in its latest submission of evidence to the Migration Advisory Council (MAC).

Livestock farmers are being warned about the increased risk of grass staggers in cattle and sheep as a result of this year’s wet spring, with Rumenco nutritionist Dr Alison Bond advising supplementation to balance a lower-than-average magnesium intake from grass.

Beef and dairy farmers are being reminded of the signs of summer mastitis in dry cows and heifers, and strategies to prevent it this summer.

The Kept Animals Bill, which was expected to ban live animal exports and tackle livestock worrying and pet thefts, has been abandoned.

Farming groups including National Sheep Association are stepping up efforts to inform livestock farmers of the need to obtain a signed declaration to allow the future sale of animals destined for export.

Having confirmed payments for last year’s wool clip, British Wool acknowledged the prices will be disappointing to members and said the organisation is doing everything it can to navigate what is currently a ‘very challenging environment’ for raw material suppliers.

Farmers are being encouraged to prioritise fly control now and protect their livestock, as warm and wet weather is set to accelerate maggot and fly emergence.

Many food and farming businesses say they are entirely dependent on their local abattoir, with animal welfare, food miles and the local economy all coming under threat if closures continue at the same pace.

The virus was detected as part of a routine testing programme for asymptomatic people who have been in contact with infected birds.